NI's build heritage is in good hands, according to the newly installed SDLP Minister for the Environment, Alex Attwood.

He has welcomed his portfolio, describing it as an exciting challenge: "I am delighted to accept the environment portfolio which is both exciting and diverse. Local government, planning, the environment and road safety afford real opportunities to make Northern Ireland a better place to live, work and invest.

"Even more so if we cooperate in a meaningful way North and South. After all environmental issues and their impact have no boundaries."

In commenting on specific priorities ahead Alex Attwood said: "Local government has served local communities well in the past. Now I want to ensure that it is properly structured for the future so that it can become even more responsive to local needs and aspirations.

"Planning has made some progress over recent years and the huge backlogs of a few years ago are now gone.

"One of the very last actions of the last Assembly was to pass a new Planning Act which paves the way for the comprehensive reform of the planning system. Delivery on that reform will be a priority for me.

"I want planners and the planning system to ensure that we support much needed investment and jobs while protecting our environment. I am a firm believer in reform in a positive image – I intend to advance further reform to address the needs of people, communities and businesses in Northern Ireland," he continued.

"We have a fantastic built heritage which is an inheritance from previous generations; an asset in the present and a legacy for the future. I want to do what I can to ensure we make the best of our heritage to enhance our enjoyment and our economy and to promote our tourism industry. This is a critical priority for jobs and growth – where DOE has a major input," the former Social development Minister continued.

"The natural environment is, of course, important in its own right but I think we need to begin to see it in a new light. It is not a problem.

"It is one of our most important assets and, as such, can form the basis of a fundamental restructuring of our economy. By finding new ways to use our natural resources and to re-use and recycle what we currently call waste, we can stimulate businesses and community enterprises which are capable of transforming our society. We can also promote health and wellbeing and ensure that everyone benefits from this wonderful resource at our fingertips.

"I want to see the environment flourish on my watch, playing our full role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting habitats for our smallest creatures and protecting and developing our in-land and coastal waters.

"I will be tough in prosecuting those who deliberately pollute this natural environment but will also ensure that blockages are removed from those who seek to find new ways to grow our economy and society sustainably."

Commenting specifically on waste the new Minister said: "There is no doubt that Northern Ireland has been rethinking waste in ensuring we reduce, re-use and recycle. But we need to do much more especially on an all Ireland basis. Put simply, we have to stop sending waste to landfills.

"I am acutely aware in taking over this portfolio that we face big European fines if we don’t get this right. I will be considering very carefully how we can tackle all of these issues to achieve a continuing improvement in performance and create the basis for the sustainable and dynamic economy that we need."

With regard to road safety Alex Attwood said: "Much has been done to reduce the carnage on our roads but every death and serious injury is avoidable. I very much look forward to gripping the new ten year road safety strategy and help make the roads safer for our drivers, passengers and pedestrians."

(GK/BMcC)